Manipur CM Biren Singh Speaks to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for safe return of Manipuris from violence-hit Bangladesh

So far 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports so far

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that he has spoken to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar to arrange the safe evacuation of Manipuris from violence-hit Bangladesh, the neighbouring country that has been on the boil for over a week now due to protests by students demanding reforms in the government’s reservation policy for jobs.

The number of people from Manipur stranded in trouble-torn Bangladesh is yet to be ascertained.

Taking to X, CM N Biren Singh said that the situation is being closely monitored by EAM Jaishankar and he appreciates the efforts taken by the EAM to provide safe passage for all the Indian nationals from Bangladesh.

“I have personally communicated with Hon’ble Union Minister of External Affairs, @DrSJaishankar ji on the developing situation in Bangladesh, and we are coordinating on arranging a safe return of Manipuris back to the country. The situation is being closely monitored by EAM Jaishankar. I really appreciate the steps he has taken for providing safe passage for all the Indian citizens from Bangladesh,” CM Biren Singh posted.

https://x.com/NBirenSingh/status/1814689507880448051

Meanwhile, EAM S Jaishankar said that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals stranded in Bangladesh.

Sharing the update on the return of Indian nationals in Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting the return of Indian nationals home following the recent developments there.

The MEA is also collaborating with land ports, immigration, civil aviation, and Border Security Force (BSF) agencies to help secure travel.

So far 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports so far. Around 200 students have returned home via regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports.

The MEA said in its release, “The High Commission of India in Dhaka and our Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request.”

Protests by students rocked Bangladesh after the June 5 Bangladesh High Court order to reinstate the 30 percent reservation in government jobs policy.

At least 115 people died in the protests till yesterday. The Sheikh Hasina Government had imposed a nationwide curfew and Internet shutdown continued through the week.

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